Zoom lens system, imaging device and camera

ABSTRACT

A zoom lens system of the present invention has a plurality of lens units each composed of at least one lens element and, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises: a first lens unit having negative optical power and composed of two lens elements; a second lens unit having positive optical power; and a third lens unit having positive optical power, wherein in zooming, at least the first lens unit and the second lens unit move along an optical axis, on the image side relative to the second lens unit, an aperture diaphragm is arranged that moves along the optical axis integrally with the second lens unit during zooming, the second lens unit is, in order from the object side to the image side, composed of a first cemented lens element by cementing two lens elements and a second cemented lens element by cementing two lens elements, and the condition is satisfied: 2.00&lt;f G2a /f G2b &lt;3.00 where, f G2a , f G2b : focal lengths of the first and second cemented lens elements.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a zoom lens system, an imaging device and a camera. In particular, the present invention relates to: a zoom lens system that has not only a high resolution but also a reduced overall optical length (overall length of lens system) and a variable magnification ratio as high as approximately 5 and that has a view angle of approximately 70° at a wide-angle limit and hence is satisfactorily adaptable for wide-angle image taking; an imaging device employing this zoom lens system; and a thin and remarkably compact camera employing this imaging device.

BACKGROUND ART

With recent progress in the development of solid-state image sensors such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) having a high pixel, digital still cameras and digital video cameras (simply referred to as “digital cameras”, hereinafter) are rapidly spreading that employ an imaging device including an imaging optical system of high optical performance corresponding to the above-mentioned solid-state image sensors of a high pixel. Among these digital cameras of high optical performance, demands are increasing especially for digital cameras of compact type.

In digital cameras of compact type described above, from the perspective of easiness in carrying and accommodation, further thickness reduction is required. For the purpose of realizing such compact and thin digital cameras, in the conventional art, variable zoom lens systems have been proposed that have a three-unit construction of negative lead type, in order from the object side to the image side, comprising a first lens unit having negative optical power, a second lens unit having positive optical power and a third lens unit having positive optical power and that have a reduced overall optical length (overall length of lens system: the distance measured from the vertex of a lens surface on the most object side in the entire lens system to the image surface).

For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 3513369 discloses a zoom lens which, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises three lens units of negative, positive and positive and in which: at a telephoto limit in comparison with a wide-angle limit, the individual lens units are moved such that the interval between first and second lens units and the interval between second and third lens units should decrease so that magnification change is achieved; the first lens unit is composed of two lenses of negative and positive; the second lens unit is composed of independent two lenses of positive and negative; the third lens unit is composed of one positive lens; and a particular relation is satisfied by the radius of curvature of the object side surface of the negative lens contained in the second lens unit and the focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit. In this zoom lens disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 3513369, overall optical length is reduced, and still high optical performance is obtained over the entire variable magnification range.

Further, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-301154 discloses a zoom lens which, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises three lens units of negative, positive and positive and in which: the intervals between the individual lens units vary at the time of magnification change; particular relations are satisfied respectively by the taken-image height and the focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit, by the axial interval between the first and the second lens units and the focal length of the first lens unit, and by the axial interval between the first and the second lens units and the focal length of the second lens unit; and a variable magnification ratio that falls within a particular range is obtained. This zoom lens disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-301154 has a wide view angle at a wide-angle limit as well as a relatively high variable magnification ratio.

Moreover, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-065034 discloses a zoom lens which, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises three lens units of negative, positive and positive and in which: the intervals between the individual lens units vary at the time of magnification change; the first lens unit is composed of two lenses of negative and positive; the second lens unit is constructed from a 2a-th lens unit composed of two lenses of positive and negative and a 2b-th lens unit composed of at least one positive lens arranged on the image side relative to the 2a-th lens unit; the third lens unit is composed of at least one positive lens; and particular relations are satisfied by the imaging magnifications of the second lens unit at a wide-angle limit and a telephoto limit, the interval between the first and the second lens units at a wide-angle limit, and the interval between the second and the third lens units at a telephoto limit. This zoom lens disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-065034 achieves desired optical performance and still has a reduced number of component lenses and relative compactness.

-   Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 3513369 -   Patent Document 2: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.     2006-301154 -   Patent Document 3: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.     2006-065034

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

The above-mentioned zoom lens disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 3513369 has high optical performance, a view angle as wide as 65° to 75° at a wide-angle limit, and a reduced overall optical length. This permits further thickness reduction in digital cameras of compact type. Nevertheless, the zoom lens has as small a variable magnification ratio as approximately 3, and hence does not satisfy a requirement in digital cameras of compact type in recent years.

Further, the zoom lens disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-301154 has a sufficient view angle for wide-angle image taking and a higher variable magnification ratio than the zoom lens disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 3513369. Nevertheless, in this lens configuration, the amount of movement of the second lens unit along the optical axis at the time of magnification change is large. Thus, the overall optical length increases, and hence further thickness reduction cannot be achieved in digital cameras of compact type.

Moreover, similarly to the zoom lens disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 3513369, the zoom lens disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-065034 achieves desired optical performance and still has a sufficient view angle for wide-angle image taking and a reduced overall optical length. This permits further thickness reduction in digital cameras of compact type. Nevertheless, this zoom lens has as small a variable magnification ratio as approximately 3, and hence does not satisfy a requirement in digital cameras of compact type in recent years.

An object of the present invention is to provide: a zoom lens system that has not only a high resolution but also a reduced overall optical length and a variable magnification ratio as high as approximately 5 and that has a view angle of approximately 70° at a wide-angle limit and hence is satisfactorily adaptable for wide-angle image taking; an imaging device employing this zoom lens system; and a thin and remarkably compact camera employing this imaging device.

Solution to the Problems

One of the above-mentioned objects is achieved by the following zoom lens system. That is, the present invention relates to

a zoom lens system having a plurality of lens units each composed of at least one lens element and,

in order from an object side to an image side, comprising:

a first lens unit having negative optical power and composed of two lens elements;

a second lens unit having positive optical power; and

a third lens unit having positive optical power, wherein

in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, at least the first lens unit and the second lens unit move along an optical axis, wherein

on the image side relative to the second lens unit, an aperture diaphragm is arranged that moves along the optical axis integrally with the second lens unit during zooming, wherein

the second lens unit is, in order from the object side to the image side, composed of a first cemented lens element constructed by cementing two lens elements with each other and a second cemented lens element constructed by cementing two lens elements with each other, and wherein

the following condition (28) is satisfied: 2.00<f _(G2a) /f _(G2b)<3.00  (28)

where,

f_(G2a) is a focal length of the first cemented lens element, and

f_(G2b) is a focal length of the second cemented lens element.

One of the above-mentioned objects is achieved by the following imaging device. That is, the present invention relates to

an imaging device capable of outputting an optical image of an object as an electric image signal, comprising:

a zoom lens system that forms the optical image of the object; and

an image sensor that converts the optical image formed by the zoom lens system into the electric image signal, wherein

the zoom lens system has a plurality of lens units each composed of at least one lens element and,

in order from an object side to an image side, comprises:

a first lens unit having negative optical power and composed of two lens elements;

a second lens unit having positive optical power; and

a third lens unit having positive optical power, wherein

in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, at least the first lens unit and the second lens unit move along an optical axis, wherein

on the image side relative to the second lens unit, an aperture diaphragm is arranged that moves along the optical axis integrally with the second lens unit during zooming, wherein

the second lens unit is, in order from the object side to the image side, composed of a first cemented lens element constructed by cementing two lens elements with each other and a second cemented lens element constructed by cementing two lens elements with each other, and wherein

the following condition (28) is satisfied: 2.00<f _(G2a) /f _(G2b)<3.00  (28)

where,

f_(G2a) is a focal length of the first cemented lens element, and

f_(G2b) is a focal length of the second cemented lens element.

One of the above-mentioned objects is achieved by the following camera. That is, the present invention relates to

a camera for converting an optical image of an object into an electric image signal and then performing at least one of displaying and storing of the converted image signal, comprising

an imaging device including a zoom lens system that forms the optical image of the object and an image sensor that converts the optical image formed by the zoom lens system into the electric image signal, wherein

the zoom lens system has a plurality of lens units each composed of at least one lens element and,

in order from an object side to an image side, comprises:

a first lens unit having negative optical power and composed of two lens elements;

a second lens unit having positive optical power; and

a third lens unit having positive optical power, wherein

in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, at least the first lens unit and the second lens unit move along an optical axis, wherein

on the image side relative to the second lens unit, an aperture diaphragm is arranged that moves along the optical axis integrally with the second lens unit during zooming, wherein

the second lens unit is, in order from the object side to the image side, composed of a first cemented lens element constructed by cementing two lens elements with each other and a second cemented lens element constructed by cementing two lens elements with each other, and wherein

the following condition (28) is satisfied: 2.00<f _(G2a) /f _(G2b)<3.00  (28)

where,

f_(G2a) is a focal length of the first cemented lens element, and

f_(G2b) is a focal length of the second cemented lens element.

Effect of the Invention

According to the present invention, a zoom lens system is provided that has not only a high resolution but also a reduced overall optical length and a variable magnification ratio as high as approximately 5 and that has a view angle of approximately 70° at a wide-angle limit and hence is satisfactorily adaptable for wide-angle image taking. Further, the present invention provides: an imaging device employing this zoom lens system; and a thin and remarkably compact camera employing this imaging device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a lens arrangement diagram showing an infinity in-focus condition of a zoom lens system according to Embodiment 1 (Example 1).

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal aberration diagram of an infinity in-focus condition of a zoom lens system according to Example 1.

FIG. 3 is a lateral aberration diagram of a zoom lens system according to Example 1 at a telephoto limit in a basic state where image blur compensation is not performed and in a blur compensation state.

FIG. 4 is a lens arrangement diagram showing an infinity in-focus condition of a zoom lens system according to Embodiment 2 (Example 2).

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal aberration diagram of an infinity in-focus condition of a zoom lens system according to Example 2.

FIG. 6 is a lateral aberration diagram of a zoom lens system according to Example 2 at a telephoto limit in a basic state where image blur compensation is not performed and in a blur compensation state.

FIG. 7 is a lens arrangement diagram showing an infinity in-focus condition of a zoom lens system according to Embodiment 3 (Example 3).

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal aberration diagram of an infinity in-focus condition of a zoom lens system according to Example 3.

FIG. 9 is a lateral aberration diagram of a zoom lens system according to Example 3 at a telephoto limit in a basic state where image blur compensation is not performed and in a blur compensation state.

FIG. 10 is a lens arrangement diagram showing an infinity in-focus condition of a zoom lens system according to Embodiment 4 (Example 4).

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal aberration diagram of an infinity in-focus condition of a zoom lens system according to Example 4.

FIG. 12 is a lateral aberration diagram of a zoom lens system according to Example 4 at a telephoto limit in a basic state where image blur compensation is not performed and in a blur compensation state.

FIG. 13 is a lens arrangement diagram showing an infinity in-focus condition of a zoom lens system according to Embodiment 5 (Example 5).

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal aberration diagram of an infinity in-focus condition of a zoom lens system according to Example 5.

FIG. 15 is a lateral aberration diagram of a zoom lens system according to Example 5 at a telephoto limit in a basic state where image blur compensation is not performed and in a blur compensation state.

FIG. 16 is a lens arrangement diagram showing an infinity in-focus condition of a zoom lens system according to Embodiment 6 (Example 6).

FIG. 17 is a longitudinal aberration diagram of an infinity in-focus condition of a zoom lens system according to Example 6.

FIG. 18 is a lateral aberration diagram of a zoom lens system according to Example 6 at a telephoto limit in a basic state where image blur compensation is not performed and in a blur compensation state.

FIG. 19 is a lens arrangement diagram showing an infinity in-focus condition of a zoom lens system according to Embodiment 7 (Example 7).

FIG. 20 is a longitudinal aberration diagram of an infinity in-focus condition of a zoom lens system according to Example 7.

FIG. 21 is a lateral aberration diagram of a zoom lens system according to Example 7 at a telephoto limit in a basic state where image blur compensation is not performed and in a blur compensation state.

FIG. 22 is a schematic construction diagram of a digital still camera according to Embodiment 8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE CHARACTERS

G1 First lens unit

G2 Second lens unit

G3 Third lens unit

L1 First lens element

L2 Second lens element

L3 Third lens element

L4 Fourth lens element

L5 Fifth lens element

L6 Sixth lens element

L7 Seventh lens element

L8 Plane parallel plate

A Aperture diaphragm

S Image surface

1 Zoom lens system

2 Image sensor

3 Liquid crystal display monitor

4 Body

5 Main barrel

6 Moving barrel

7 Cylindrical cam

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(Embodiments 1 to 7)

FIGS. 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16 and 19 are lens arrangement diagrams of zoom lens systems according to Embodiments 1 to 7, respectively.

Each of FIGS. 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16 and 19 shows a zoom lens system in an infinity in-focus condition. In each FIG., part (a) shows a lens configuration at a wide-angle limit (in the minimum focal length condition: focal length f_(W)), part (b) shows a lens configuration at a middle position (in an intermediate focal length condition: focal length f_(M)=√{square root over ( )}(f_(W)*f_(T))), and part (c) shows a lens configuration at a telephoto limit (in the maximum focal length condition: focal length f_(T)). Further, in each FIG., each bent arrow located between part (a) and part (b) indicates a line obtained by connecting the positions of each lens unit respectively at, in order from the upper, a wide-angle limit, a middle position and a telephoto limit. Thus, in the part between the wide-angle limit and the middle position and the part between the middle position and the telephoto limit, the positions are connected simply with a straight line, and hence this line does not indicate actual motion of each lens unit. Moreover, in each FIG., an arrow imparted to a lens unit indicates focusing from an infinity in-focus condition to a close-object in-focus condition. That is, the arrow indicates the moving direction at the time of focusing from an infinity in-focus condition to a close-object in-focus condition.

The zoom lens system according to each embodiment, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises a first lens unit G1 having negative optical power, a second lens unit G2 having positive optical power and a third lens unit G3 having positive optical power. Then, in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, at least the first lens unit G1 and the second lens unit G2 move along the optical axis (this lens configuration is referred to as the basic configuration of the embodiment, hereinafter). In the zoom lens system according to each embodiment, when these lens units are arranged in a desired optical power configuration, high optical performance is obtained and still size reduction is achieved in the entire lens system.

Further, in FIGS. 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16 and 19, an asterisk * imparted to a particular surface indicates that the surface is aspheric. In each FIG., symbol (+) or (−) imparted to the symbol of each lens unit corresponds to the sign of the optical power of the lens unit. In each FIG., the straight line located on the most right-hand side indicates the position of the image surface S. On the object side relative to the image surface S (that is, between the image surface S and the most image side lens surface of the third lens unit G3), a plane parallel plate such as an optical low-pass filter and a face plate of an image sensor is provided.

Moreover, in FIGS. 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16 and 19, an aperture diaphragm A is provided on the image side relative to the second lens unit G2 (that is, between the most image side lens surface of the second lens unit G2 and the most object side lens surface of the third lens unit G3). In zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, the aperture diaphragm A moves along the optical axis integrally with the second lens unit G2. As such, in the zoom lens system according to each embodiment, on the image side relative to the second lens unit G2, the aperture diaphragm A is arranged that moves along the optical axis integrally with the second lens unit G2 during zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit in image taking. This permits length reduction in the air space between the first lens unit G1 and the second lens unit G2. As a result, in spite of being a three-unit construction of negative lead type, a reduced overall optical length and a variable magnification ratio as high as approximately 5 are achieved simultaneously.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 1, the first lens unit G1, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with the convex surface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus second lens element L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. The first lens element L1 has two aspheric surfaces.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 1, the second lens unit G2, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises: a positive meniscus third lens element L3 with the convex surface facing the object side; a negative meniscus fourth lens element L4 with the convex surface facing the object side; a negative meniscus fifth lens element L5 with the convex surface facing the object side; and a bi-convex sixth lens element L6. Among these, the third lens element L3 and the fourth lens element L4 are cemented with each other, while the fifth lens element L5 and the sixth lens element L6 are cemented with each other. Further, the third lens element L3 has an aspheric object side surface.

Further, in the zoom lens system of Embodiment 1, the third lens unit G3 comprises solely a bi-convex seventh lens element L7.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 1, in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, the first lens unit G1 moves to the object side with locus of a convex to the image side. Further, the second lens unit G2 moves to the object side together with the aperture diaphragm A, while the third lens unit G3 moves to the image side. That is, in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, the individual lens units are moved along the optical axis such that the interval between the first lens unit G1 and the second lens unit G2 should decrease and that the interval between the second lens unit G2 and the third lens unit G3 should increase.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 2, the first lens unit G1, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with the convex surface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus second lens element L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. The first lens element L1 has two aspheric surfaces.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 2, the second lens unit G2, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises: a positive meniscus third lens element L3 with the convex surface facing the object side; a negative meniscus fourth lens element L4 with the convex surface facing the object side; a negative meniscus fifth lens element L5 with the convex surface facing the object side; and a bi-convex sixth lens element L6. Among these, the third lens element L3 and the fourth lens element L4 are cemented with each other, while the fifth lens element L5 and the sixth lens element L6 are cemented with each other. Further, the third lens element L3 has an aspheric object side surface.

Further, in the zoom lens system of Embodiment 2, the third lens unit G3 comprises solely a bi-convex seventh lens element L7.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 2, in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, the first lens unit G1 moves to the object side with locus of a convex to the image side. Further, the second lens unit G2 moves to the object side together with the aperture diaphragm A, while the third lens unit G3 moves to the image side. That is, in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, the individual lens units are moved along the optical axis such that the interval between the first lens unit G1 and the second lens unit G2 should decrease and that the interval between the second lens unit G2 and the third lens unit G3 should increase.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 3, the first lens unit G1, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with the convex surface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus second lens element L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. The first lens element L1 has two aspheric surfaces.

Further, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 3, the second lens unit G2, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises: a positive meniscus third lens element L3 with the convex surface facing the object side; a negative meniscus fourth lens element L4 with the convex surface facing the object side; a negative meniscus fifth lens element L5 with the convex surface facing the object side; and a bi-convex sixth lens element L6. Among these, the third lens element L3 and the fourth lens element L4 are cemented with each other, while the fifth lens element L5 and the sixth lens element L6 are cemented with each other. Further, the third lens element L3 has an aspheric object side surface.

Moreover, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 3, the third lens unit G3 comprises solely a bi-convex seventh lens element L7.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 3, in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, the first lens unit G1 moves to the object side with locus of a convex to the image side. Further, the second lens unit G2 moves to the object side together with the aperture diaphragm A, while the third lens unit G3 moves to the image side. That is, in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, the individual lens units are moved along the optical axis such that the interval between the first lens unit G1 and the second lens unit G2 should decrease and that the interval between the second lens unit G2 and the third lens unit G3 should increase.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 4, the first lens unit G1, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with the convex surface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus second lens element L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. The first lens element L1 has two aspheric surfaces.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 4, the second lens unit G2, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises: a positive meniscus third lens element L3 with the convex surface facing the object side; a negative meniscus fourth lens element L4 with the convex surface facing the object side; a negative meniscus fifth lens element L5 with the convex surface facing the object side; and a bi-convex sixth lens element L6. Among these, the third lens element L3 and the fourth lens element L4 are cemented with each other, while the fifth lens element L5 and the sixth lens element L6 are cemented with each other. Further, the third lens element L3 has an aspheric object side surface.

Further, in the zoom lens system of Embodiment 4, the third lens unit G3 comprises solely a bi-convex seventh lens element L7.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 4, in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, the first lens unit G1 moves to the object side with locus of a convex to the image side. Further, the second lens unit G2 moves to the object side together with the aperture diaphragm A, while the third lens unit G3 moves to the image side. That is, in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, the individual lens units are moved along the optical axis such that the interval between the first lens unit G1 and the second lens unit G2 should decrease and that the interval between the second lens unit G2 and the third lens unit G3 should increase.

As shown in FIG. 13, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 5, the first lens unit G1, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with the convex surface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus second lens element L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. The first lens element L1 has two aspheric surfaces.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 5, the second lens unit G2, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises: a positive meniscus third lens element L3 with the convex surface facing the object side; a negative meniscus fourth lens element L4 with the convex surface facing the object side; a negative meniscus fifth lens element L5 with the convex surface facing the object side; and a bi-convex sixth lens element L6. Among these, the third lens element L3 and the fourth lens element L4 are cemented with each other, while the fifth lens element L5 and the sixth lens element L6 are cemented with each other. Further, the third lens element L3 has an aspheric object side surface.

Moreover, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 5, the third lens unit G3 comprises solely a positive meniscus seventh lens element L7 with the convex surface facing the image side.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 5, in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, the first lens unit G1 moves to the object side with locus of a convex to the image side. Further, the second lens unit G2 moves to the object side together with the aperture diaphragm A, while the third lens unit G3 moves to the image side. That is, in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, the individual lens units are moved along the optical axis such that the interval between the first lens unit G1 and the second lens unit G2 should decrease and that the interval between the second lens unit G2 and the third lens unit G3 should increase.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 6, the first lens unit G1, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with the convex surface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus second lens element L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. The first lens element L1 has two aspheric surfaces.

Further, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 6, the second lens unit G2, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises: a positive meniscus third lens element L3 with the convex surface facing the object side; a negative meniscus fourth lens element L4 with the convex surface facing the object side; a negative meniscus fifth lens element L5 with the convex surface facing the object side; and a bi-convex sixth lens element L6. Among these, the third lens element L3 and the fourth lens element L4 are cemented with each other, while the fifth lens element L5 and the sixth lens element L6 are cemented with each other. Further, the third lens element L3 has an aspheric object side surface.

Moreover, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 6, the third lens unit G3 comprises solely a bi-convex seventh lens element L7.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 6, in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, the first lens unit G1 moves to the object side with locus of a convex to the image side. Further, the second lens unit G2 moves to the object side together with the aperture diaphragm A, while the third lens unit G3 moves to the image side. That is, in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, the individual lens units are moved along the optical axis such that the interval between the first lens unit G1 and the second lens unit G2 should decrease and that the interval between the second lens unit G2 and the third lens unit G3 should increase.

As shown in FIG. 19, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 7, the first lens unit G1, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises: a negative meniscus first lens element L1 with the convex surface facing the object side; and a positive meniscus second lens element L2 with the convex surface facing the object side. The first lens element L1 has two aspheric surfaces.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 7, the second lens unit G2, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises: a positive meniscus third lens element L3 with the convex surface facing the object side; a negative meniscus fourth lens element L4 with the convex surface facing the object side; a negative meniscus fifth lens element L5 with the convex surface facing the object side; and a bi-convex sixth lens element L6. Among these, the third lens element L3 and the fourth lens element L4 are cemented with each other, while the fifth lens element L5 and the sixth lens element L6 are cemented with each other. Further, the third lens element L3 has an aspheric object side surface.

Moreover, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 7, the third lens unit G3 comprises solely a positive meniscus seventh lens element L7 with the convex surface facing the image side.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 7, in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, the first lens unit G1 moves to the object side with locus of a convex to the image side. Further, the second lens unit G2 moves to the object side together with the aperture diaphragm A, while the third lens unit G3 moves to the image side. That is, in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, the individual lens units are moved along the optical axis such that the interval between the first lens unit G1 and the second lens unit G2 should decrease and that the interval between the second lens unit G2 and the third lens unit G3 should increase.

In particular, in the zoom lens systems according to Embodiments 1 to 7, the first lens unit G1, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises: a lens element having negative optical power; and a meniscus lens element having positive optical power with the convex surface facing the object side. By virtue of this, a reduced overall optical length can be realized in a state that various kinds of aberration, especially, distortion at a wide-angle limit, are compensated satisfactorily.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, the first lens unit G1 includes at least one lens element having an aspheric surface, or alternatively includes at least two aspheric surfaces. By virtue of this, aberration is compensated more successfully.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, the third lens unit G3 is composed of one lens element. Accordingly, the total number of lens elements is reduced, and so is the overall optical length in the lens system. Further, according to embodiments where the one lens element constituting the third lens unit G3 includes an aspheric surface, aberration is compensated more successfully.

In the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, the second lens unit G2 is overall constructed from four lens elements that include two sets of cemented lens elements. By virtue of this, the second lens unit G2 has a reduced thickness, and a reduced overall optical length is realized in the lens system.

Further, in the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, the first lens unit G1, the second lens unit G2 and the third lens unit G3 are moved individually along the optical axis so that magnification change is achieved. Here, among these lens units, for example, the second lens unit G2 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, so that image blur caused by hand blurring, vibration and the like can be compensated optically.

When the image blur is to be compensated optically, the second lens unit G2 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis as described above, so that image blur is compensated in a state that size increase in the entire zoom lens system is suppressed and a compact construction is realized and that excellent imaging characteristics such as small decentering coma aberration and small decentering astigmatism are satisfied.

Conditions are described below that are preferable to be satisfied by a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7 which has the above-mentioned basic configuration and in which on the image side relative to the second lens unit, an aperture diaphragm A is arranged that moves along the optical axis integrally with the second lens unit in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking. Here, a plurality of preferable conditions are set forth for the zoom lens system according to each embodiment. A construction that satisfies all the plural conditions is most desirable for the zoom lens system. However, when an individual condition is satisfied, a zoom lens system having the corresponding effect can be obtained.

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the second lens unit is, in order from the object side to the image side, composed of a first cemented lens element constructed by cementing two lens elements with each other and a second cemented lens element constructed by cementing two lens elements with each other, the following condition (28) is satisfied. 2.00<f _(G2a) /f _(G2b)<3.00  (28)

where,

f_(G2a) is a focal length of the first cemented lens element, and

f_(G2b) is a focal length of the second cemented lens element.

The condition (28) sets forth appropriate focal lengths of cemented lens elements in a case that the second lens unit is composed of two sets of the cemented lens elements. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (28), decentering error sensitivity of the second lens unit becomes excessively high. Thus, performance degradation can be caused by an assembling error. In particular, degradation in image surface property can be caused by relative decentering. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (28), difficulty can arise in compensating spherical aberration generated in the second lens unit.

When the following condition (28)′ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. 2.25<f _(G2a) /f _(G2b)  (28)′

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, it is preferable that the following condition (1) is satisfied. 0.10<D ₂/(I _(r) ×Z ²)<0.30  (1)

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

where,

D₂ is an amount of movement of the second lens unit in a direction from a telephoto limit to a wide-angle limit (defined as positive for the motion from the image side to the object side),

I_(r) is a maximum image height (I_(r)=f_(T)×tan(ω_(T))),

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit,

ω_(W) is a half value (°) of a maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit, and

ω_(T) is a half value (°) of a maximum view angle at a telephoto limit.

The condition (1) relates to the amount of movement of the second lens unit. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (1), the amount of movement of the second lens unit necessary in association with zooming increases. This can cause difficulty in compensating aberration fluctuation during zooming. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (1), difficulty can arise in simultaneously compensating distortion and curvature of field especially at a wide-angle limit.

Here, when at least one of the following conditions (1)′ and (1)″ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. 0.15<D ₂/(I _(r) ×Z ²)  (1)′ D ₂/(I _(r) ×Z ²)<0.25  (1)″

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

Further, it is more preferable that the conditions (1), (1)′ and (1)″ are satisfied with a condition ω_(W)>40.

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7 in which the second lens unit moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, it is preferable that the entire system satisfies the following conditions (2) and (3). Y_(T)>Y  (2) 0.05<(Y/Y _(T))/(f _(T)/f)<0.60  (3)

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

where,

f is a focal length of the entire system,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

Y is an amount of movement in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis at the time of maximum blur compensation in the second lens unit with a focal length f of the entire system,

Y_(T) is an amount of movement in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis at the time of maximum blur compensation in the second lens unit with a focal length f_(T) of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit, and

ω_(W) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit.

The conditions (2) and (3) relate to the amount of movement at the time of maximum blur compensation in the second lens unit that moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. In the case of a zoom lens system, when the compensation angle is constant over the entire zoom range, a larger zoom ratio requires a larger amount of movement of the lens unit or the lens element that moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. On the contrary, a smaller zoom ratio requires merely a smaller amount of movement of the lens unit or the lens element that moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. When the condition (2) is not satisfied, alternatively when the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (3), blur compensation becomes excessive. This causes a possibility of enhanced degradation in the optical performance. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (3), a possibility of insufficient blur compensation arises.

Here, when at least one of the following conditions (3)′ and (3)″ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. 0.08<(Y/Y _(T))/(f _(T)/f)  (3)′ (Y/Y _(T))/(f _(T)/f)<0.50  (3)″

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

Further, it is more preferable that the conditions (3), (3)′ and (3)″ are satisfied with a condition ω_(W)>40.

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, it is preferable that the following condition (4) is satisfied. 0.10<(D_(2T) −D _(2W))/(I _(r) ×Z ²)<0.30  (4)

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

where,

D_(2T) is an axial interval from the most image side of the second lens unit to the most object side of the third lens unit at a telephoto limit,

D_(2W) is an axial interval from the most image side of the second lens unit to the most object side of the third lens unit at a wide-angle limit,

I_(r) is a maximum image height (I_(r)=f_(T)×tan(ω_(T))),

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit,

ω_(W) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit, and

ω_(T) is a half value (°) of a maximum view angle at a telephoto limit.

The condition (4) relates to the amount of movement of the second lens unit. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (4), the amount of movement of the second lens unit necessary in association with zooming increases. This can cause difficulty in compensating aberration fluctuation during zooming. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (4), difficulty can arise in simultaneously compensating distortion and curvature of field especially at a wide-angle limit.

Here, when at least one of the following conditions (4)′ and (4)″ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. 0.15<(D _(2T) −D _(2W))/(I _(r) ×Z ²)  (4)′ (D _(2T) −D _(2W))/(I _(r) ×Z ²)<0.27  (4)″

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

Further, it is more preferable that the conditions (4), (4)′ and (4)″ are satisfied with a condition ω_(W)>40.

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, it is preferable that the following condition (5) is satisfied. −1.60<f _(G1) /f _(G2)<−0.90  (5)

where,

f_(G1) is a focal length of the first lens unit, and

f_(G2) is a focal length of the second lens unit.

The condition (5) sets forth the ratio of the focal lengths of the first lens unit and the second lens unit. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (5), the focal length of the second lens unit becomes excessively small relatively. This can cause difficulty in compensating aberration generated in the second lens unit. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (5), the focal length of the first lens unit becomes excessively small relatively. This causes difficulty in maintaining the variable magnification function of the second lens unit, and hence can cause difficulty in constructing a zoom lens system having a zoom ratio exceeding 4 in a state that satisfactory optical performance is obtained.

Here, when at least one of the following conditions (5)′ and (5)″ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. −1.50<f _(G1) /f _(G2)  (5)′ f _(G1) /f _(G2)<−1.00  (5)″

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, it is preferable that the following condition (6) is satisfied. −0.80<f _(G1) /f _(G3)<−0.20  (6)

where,

f_(G1) is a focal length of the first lens unit, and

f_(G3) is a focal length of the third lens unit.

The condition (6) sets forth the ratio of the focal lengths of the first lens unit and the third lens unit. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (6), the focal length of the first lens unit becomes excessively large relatively. This can cause difficulty in achieving a compact zoom lens system. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (6), the focal length of the third lens unit becomes excessively large relatively. This can cause difficulty in ensuring satisfactory illuminance on the image surface.

Here, when at least one of the following conditions (6)′ and (6)″ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. −0.70<f _(G1) /f _(G3)  (6)′ f _(G1) /f _(G3)<−0.50  (6)″

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, it is preferable that the following condition (7) is satisfied. 0.20<f _(G2) /f _(G3)<0.80  (7)

where,

f_(G2) is a focal length of the second lens unit, and

f_(G3) is a focal length of the third lens unit.

The condition (7) sets forth the ratio of the focal lengths of the second lens unit and the third lens unit. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (7), the focal length of the second lens unit becomes excessively large relatively. This can cause difficulty in compensating aberration fluctuation generated in the second lens unit in association with zooming. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (7), the focal length of the third lens unit becomes excessively large relatively. This can cause difficulty in ensuring satisfactory illuminance on the image surface.

Here, when at least one of the following conditions (7)′ and (7)″ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. 0.30<f _(G2) /f _(G3)  (7)′ f _(G2) /f _(G3)<0.50  (7)″

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, it is preferable that the following condition (8) is satisfied. −0.80<f _(G1) /f _(T)<−0.30  (8)

(here, f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

where,

f_(G1) is a focal length of the first lens unit,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit, and

ω_(W) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (8) substantially sets forth the focal length of the first lens unit. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (8), the focal length of the first lens unit becomes excessively large, and hence the amount of movement of the first lens unit increases. This causes difficulty in achieving a compact zoom lens system. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (8), the focal length of the first lens unit becomes excessively small, and hence difficulty arises in maintaining a sufficient air space for ensuring the movement of the second lens unit during zooming. This can cause difficulty in achieving a zoom lens system having a variable magnification ratio of 4 or greater.

Here, when at least one of the following conditions (8)′ and (8)″ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. −0.60<f _(G1) /f _(T)   (8)′ f _(G1) /f _(T)<−0.40  (8)″

(here, f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

Further, it is more preferable that the conditions (8), (8)′ and (8)″ are satisfied with a condition ω_(W)>40.

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, it is preferable that the following condition (9) is satisfied. 0.20<f _(G2) /f _(T)<0.80  (9)

(here, f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

where,

f_(G2) is a focal length of the second lens unit,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit, and

ω_(W) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (9) substantially sets forth the focal length of the second lens unit. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (9), the focal length of the second lens unit becomes excessively large, and hence the amount of movement of the second lens unit during zooming increases. This can cause difficulty in achieving a compact zoom lens system having a variable magnification ratio of 4 or greater. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (9), the focal length of the second lens unit becomes excessively small. This can cause difficulty in compensating aberration fluctuation generated in association with the movement of the second lens unit. Further, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (9), difficulty can arise also in compensating distortion.

Here, when at least one of the following conditions (9)′ and (9)″ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. 0.30<f _(G2) /f _(T)  (9)′ f _(G2) /f _(T)<0.50  (9)″

(here, f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

Further, it is more preferable that the conditions (9), (9)′ and (9)″ are satisfied with a condition ω_(W)>40.

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, it is preferable that the following condition (10) is satisfied. 0.60<f _(G3) /f _(T)<1.50  (10)

(here, f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

where,

f_(G3) is a focal length of the third lens unit,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit, and

ω_(W) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (10) substantially sets forth the focal length of the third lens unit. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (10), the focal length of the third lens unit becomes excessively large. This can cause difficulty in ensuring appropriate illuminance on the image surface. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (10), the focal length of the third lens unit becomes excessively small. This can cause that aberration generated in the third lens unit becomes difficult to be compensated by the second lens unit.

Here, when at least one of the following conditions (10)′ and (10)″ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. 0.70<f _(G3) /f _(T)  (10)′ f _(G3) /f _(T)<1.30  (10)″

(here, f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

Further, it is more preferable that the conditions (10), (10)′ and (10)″ are satisfied with a condition ω_(W)>40.

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, it is preferable that the following condition (11) is satisfied. 0.35<(D _(1W) +D _(2W))/(D _(1T) +D _(2T))<1.20  (11)

(here, f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

where,

D_(1W) is an axial interval from the most image side of the first lens unit to the most object side of the second lens unit at a wide-angle limit,

D_(2W) is an axial interval from the most image side of the second lens unit to the most object side of the third lens unit at a wide-angle limit,

D_(1T) is an axial interval from the most image side of the first lens unit to the most object side of the second lens unit at a telephoto limit,

D_(2T) is an axial interval from the most image side of the second lens unit to the most object side of the third lens unit at a telephoto limit,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit, and

ω_(W) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (11) relates to the amount of movement of the first lens unit and the second lens unit during zooming. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (11), compensation becomes insufficient for distortion at a wide-angle limit, and hence difficulty can arise in achieving satisfactory optical performance. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (11), the amount of movement of the individual lens units necessary in association with zooming increases. This can cause difficulty in compensating aberration fluctuation during zooming.

Here, when at least one of the following conditions (11)′ and (11)″ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. 0.45<(D_(1W) +D _(2W))/(D _(1T) +D _(2T))  (11)′ (D _(1W) +D _(2W))/(D _(1T) +D _(2T))<0.80  (11)″

(here, f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

Further, it is more preferable that the conditions (11), (11)′ and (11)″ are satisfied with a condition ω_(W)>40.

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, it is preferable that the following condition (12) is satisfied. 2.00<(D _(2T) −D _(2W))/f _(W)<6.00  (12)

(here, f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

where,

D_(2T) is an axial interval from the most image side of the second lens unit to the most object side of the third lens unit at a telephoto limit,

D_(2W) is an axial interval from the most image side of the second lens unit to the most object side of the third lens unit at a wide-angle limit,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit, and

ω_(W) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (12) relates to the amount of movement of the second lens unit. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (12), the amount of movement of the second lens unit necessary in association with zooming increases. This can cause difficulty in compensating aberration fluctuation during zooming. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (12), a tendency becomes dominant that the focal length of the second lens unit becomes small. This can cause difficulty in compensating distortion especially at a wide-angle limit.

Here, when at least one of the following conditions (12)′ and (12)″ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. 3.00<(D _(2T) −D _(2W))/f _(W)  (12)′ (D _(2T) −D _(2W))/f_(W)<5.50  (12)″

(here, f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

Further, it is more preferable that the conditions (12), (12)′ and (12)″ are satisfied with a condition ω_(W)>40.

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, it is preferable that the following condition (13) is satisfied. 0.65<(D _(2T) −D _(2W))/f _(T)<1.10  (13)

(here, f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

where,

D_(2T) is an axial interval from the most image side of the second lens unit to the most object side of the third lens unit at a telephoto limit,

D_(2W) is an axial interval from the most image side of the second lens unit to the most object side of the third lens unit at a wide-angle limit,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit, and

ω_(W) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (13) relates to the amount of movement of the second lens unit. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (13), the amount of movement of the second lens unit necessary in association with zooming increases. This can cause difficulty in compensating aberration fluctuation during zooming. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (13), a tendency becomes dominant that the focal length of the second lens unit becomes small. This can cause difficulty in simultaneously compensating distortion and curvature of field especially at a wide-angle limit.

Here, when at least one of the following conditions (13)′ and (13)″ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. 0.75<(D _(2T) −D _(2W))/f _(T)  (13)′ (D _(2T) −D _(2W))/f _(T)<0.95  (13)″

(here, f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

Further, it is more preferable that the conditions (13), (13)′ and (13)″ are satisfied with a condition ω_(W)>40.

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, it is preferable that the following condition (14) is satisfied. 0.00<D _(1T) /I _(r)<0.10  (14)

(here, f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

where,

D_(1T) is an axial interval from the most image side of the first lens unit to the most object side of the second lens unit at a telephoto limit,

I_(r) is a maximum image height (I_(r)=f_(T)×tan(ω_(T))),

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit,

ω_(W) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit, and

ω_(T) is a half value (°) of a maximum view angle at a telephoto limit.

The condition (14) relates to the air space between the first lens unit and the second lens unit. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (14), the air space between the first lens unit and the second lens unit becomes excessively large. This causes difficulty in obtaining satisfactory magnification in the zoom lens system, and can cause difficulty in compensating distortion especially at a wide-angle limit. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (14), the air space between the first lens unit and the second lens unit becomes excessively small. This similarly can cause difficulty in compensating distortion at a wide-angle limit.

Further, it is more preferable that the condition (14) is satisfied with a condition ω_(W)>40.

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, it is preferable that the following condition (15) is satisfied. 0.10<(f _(W) /Ir)×(f _(W) /f _(T))<0.40  (15)

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

where,

Ir is a maximum image height (Ir=f_(T)×tan (ω_(T))),

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit,

ω_(W) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit, and

ω_(T) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a telphoto limit.

The condition (15) relates to the variable magnification ratio of the zoom lens system. When the value falls outside the range of the condition (15), difficulty can arise in ensuring a zoom ratio of 4 or the like in a state that a satisfactory view angle at a wide-angle limit is obtained.

Here, when at least one of the following conditions (15)′ and (15)″ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. 0.20<(f _(W)/I_(r))×(f _(W) /f _(T))  (15)′ (f _(W) /I _(r))×(f _(W) /f _(T))<0.35  (15)″

(here, f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

Further, it is more preferable that the conditions (15), (15)′ and (15)″ are satisfied with a condition ω_(W)>40.

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, it is preferable that the following condition (16) is satisfied. 2.50<tan(ω_(W))×Z<6.00  (16)

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

where,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit, and

ω_(W) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (16) relates to the variable magnification ratio of the zoom lens system. When the value falls outside the range of the condition (16), difficulty can arise in ensuring a zoom ratio of 4 or the like in a state that a satisfactory view angle at a wide-angle limit is obtained.

Here, when at least one of the following conditions (16)′ and (16)″ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. 3.00<tan(ω_(W))×Z  (16)′ tan(ω_(W))×Z<5.50  (16)″

(here, f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

Further, it is more preferable that the conditions (16), (16)′ and (16)″ are satisfied with a condition ω_(W)>40.

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, it is preferable that the following condition (17) is satisfied. 2.00<|f _(W) ×f _(G1) |/I _(r) ²<6.00  (17)

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

where,

I_(r) is a maximum image height (I_(r)=f_(T)×tan(ω_(T))),

f_(G1) is a focal length of the first lens unit,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit,

ω_(W) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit, and

ω_(T) is a half value (°) of a maximum view angle at a telephoto limit.

The condition (17) substantially sets forth the focal length of the first lens unit. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (17), the focal length of the first lens unit becomes excessively large, and hence the amount of movement of the first lens unit during zooming increases. This can cause difficulty in achieving a compact zoom lens system having a variable magnification ratio of 4 or greater. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (17), the focal length of the first lens unit becomes excessively small. This can cause difficulty in compensating distortion in a state that a wide view angle is obtained at a wide-angle limit.

Here, when at least one of the following conditions (17)′ and (17)″ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. 2.50<|f _(W) ×f _(G1) |/I _(r) ²  (17)′ |f _(W) ×f _(G1) |/I _(r) ²<5.00  (17)″

(here, f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

Further, it is more preferable that the conditions (17), (17)′ and (17)″ are satisfied with a condition ω_(W)>40.

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, it is preferable that the following condition (18) is satisfied. 2.00<(f_(W) ·f _(G2))/I _(r) ²<6.00  (18)

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

where,

I_(r) is a maximum image height (I_(r)=f_(T)×tan(ω_(T))),

f_(G2) is a focal length of the second lens unit,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit,

ω_(W) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit, and

ω_(T) is a half value (°) of a maximum view angle at a telephoto limit.

The condition (18) substantially sets forth the focal length of the second lens unit. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (18), the focal length of the second lens unit becomes excessively large, and hence the amount of movement of the second lens unit during zooming increases. This can cause difficulty in achieving a compact zoom lens system having a variable magnification ratio of 4 or greater. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (18), the focal length of the second lens unit becomes excessively small. This can cause difficulty in compensating aberration fluctuation generated in association with the movement of the second lens unit. Further, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (18), difficulty can arise also in compensating distortion.

Here, when at least one of the following conditions (18)′ and (18)″ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. 2.50<(f _(W) ·f _(G2))/I _(r) ²  (18)′ (f _(W) ·f _(G2))/I _(r) ²<5.00  (18)″

(here, f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

Further, it is more preferable that the conditions (18), (18)′ and (18)″ are satisfied with a condition ω_(W)>40 .

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, it is preferable that the following condition (19) is satisfied. (D _(G1) +D _(G2) +D _(G3))/f _(T)<0.70  (19)

(here, f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

where,

D_(G1) is an axial interval from the most object side to the most image side of the first lens unit,

D_(G2) is an axial interval from the most object side to the most image side of the second lens unit,

D_(G3) is an axial interval from the most object side to the most image side of the third lens unit,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit, and

ω_(W) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (19) relates to the overall length at the time of accommodation. When a so-called retraction construction that is free from protrusions at the time of accommodation is to be realized, the total of the axial intervals between the individual lens units need be sufficiently small. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (19), the overall length at the time of retraction becomes excessively large, and hence this situation is unpreferable.

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, it is preferable that the following condition (20) is satisfied. 3.5<(F _(W) ×F _(T))/Z<5.0  (20)

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

where,

F_(W) is a minimum F-number at a wide-angle limit,

F_(T) is a minimum F-number at a telephoto limit,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit, and

ω_(W) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (20) relates to the F-number of the zoom lens system. When the value falls outside the range of the condition (20), difficulty can arise in achieving a bright zoom lens system having a small F-number in a state that satisfactory optical performance is obtained.

When the following condition (20)′ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. (F _(W) ×F _(T))/Z<4.7  (20)′

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

Further, it is more preferable that the conditions (20) and (20)′ are satisfied with a condition ω_(W)>40.

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, it is preferable that the following condition (21) is satisfied. 1.5<L _(T)/(I _(r) ×Z)<2.6  (21)

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

where,

I_(r) is a maximum image height (I_(r)=f_(T)×tan(ω_(T))),

L_(T) is an overall length at a telephoto limit (a distance from the most object side of the first lens unit to the image surface),

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit,

ω_(W) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit, and

ω_(T) is a half value (°) of a maximum view angle at a telephoto limit.

The condition (21) sets forth the overall length especially at a telephoto limit. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (21), a tendency of increase in the overall length of the zoom lens system becomes dominant. This can cause difficulty in achieving a compact zoom lens system. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (21), a tendency of decrease in the overall length of the zoom lens system becomes dominant, and hence the focal length of each lens unit becomes excessively small. This can cause difficulty in compensating various kinds of aberration.

Here, it is more preferable that the condition (21) is satisfied with a condition ω_(W)>40.

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, it is preferable that the following condition (22) is satisfied. 4.0<(D _(G2)+(D _(G2A)))/(D _(G2A))<20.0  (22)

where,

D_(G2) is an axial interval from the most object side to the most image side of the second lens unit, and

D_(G2A) is an axial interval from the most image side of the second lens unit to the aperture diaphragm.

The condition (22) sets forth an appropriate interval between the second lens unit and the aperture diaphragm. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (22), a tendency becomes dominant that the diaphragm position becomes distant from the second lens unit. Thus, the effective diameter of the first lens unit becomes excessively large, and difficulty can arise in compensating distortion and coma aberration especially at a wide-angle limit. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (22), a tendency becomes dominant that the diaphragm position becomes close to the second lens unit. This can cause difficulty in compensation of spherical aberration to be performed by the second lens unit.

When the following condition (22)′ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. 8.0<(D _(G2)+(D _(G2A)))/(D _(G2A))  (22)′

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, in a case that the first lens unit, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises a first lens element having negative optical power and a second lens element having positive optical power, it is preferable that the following condition (23) is satisfied. −2.00<f _(L2) /f _(G1)<−1.00  (23)

where,

f_(L2) is a focal length of the second lens element, and

f_(G1) is a focal length of the first lens unit.

The condition (23) sets forth the focal length of the second lens element of the first lens unit. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (23), the focal length of the second lens element becomes excessively large. This can cause difficulty in compensating coma aberration especially at a telephoto limit. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (23), the focal length of the second lens element becomes excessively small. This can cause difficulty in compensating distortion at a wide-angle limit.

When the following condition (23)′ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. −1.60<f _(L2) /f _(G1)  (23)′

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, in a case that the first lens unit, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises a first lens element having negative optical power and a second lens element having positive optical power, it is preferable that the following condition (24) is satisfied. 0.20<R _(2F) /f _(T)<0.50  (24)

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

where,

R_(2F) is a radius of curvature of the object side surface of the second lens element,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit, and

ω_(W) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (24) sets forth the object side surface of the second lens element of the first lens unit. When the value falls outside the range of the condition (24), difficulty can arise in compensating distortion at a wide-angle limit.

When the following condition (24)′ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. R _(2F) /f _(T)<0.45  (24)′

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

Further, it is more preferable that the conditions (24) and (24)′ are satisfied with a condition ω_(W)>40.

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, in a case that the first lens unit, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises a first lens element having negative optical power and a second lens element having positive optical power, it is preferable that the following condition (25) is satisfied. 0.30<R _(2R) /f _(T)<0.90  (25)

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

where,

R_(2R) is a radius of curvature of the image side surface of the second lens element,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit, and

ω_(W) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (25) sets forth the image side surface of the second lens element of the first lens unit. When the value falls outside the range of the condition (25), difficulty can arise in compensating distortion at a wide-angle limit.

Here, when the following condition (25)′ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. R _(2R) /f _(T)<0.85  (25)′

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

Further, it is more preferable that the conditions (25) and (25)′ are satisfied with a condition ω_(W)>40.

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, in a case that the first lens unit, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises a first lens element having negative optical power and a second lens element having positive optical power, it is preferable that the following condition (26) is satisfied. 0.50<f _(L2) /f _(T)<1.00  (26)

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

where,

f_(L2) is a focal length of the second lens element,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit, and

ω_(W) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (26) sets forth the focal length of the second lens element of the first lens unit. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (26), the focal length of the second lens element becomes excessively large, and hence the negative optical power of the entire first lens unit becomes small. This can cause difficulty in compensating various kinds of aberration, especially distortion, in a state that the focal length is reduced at a wide-angle limit. Further, when the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (26), magnification chromatic aberration can be generated remarkably. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (26), the focal length of the second lens element becomes excessively small. This can cause difficulty in ensuring a variable magnification ratio as high as 4 or greater in a state that satisfactory optical performance is obtained. Further, compensation of distortion can become insufficient.

When the following condition (26)′ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. f _(L2) /f _(T)<0.90  (26)′

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

Further, it is more preferable that the conditions (26) and (26)′ are satisfied with a condition ω_(W)>40.

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, in a case that the second lens unit has a positive lens element on the most object side, it is preferable that the following condition (27) is satisfied. 0.40<f _(L3) /f _(G2)<1.00  (27)

where,

f_(L3) is a focal length of the positive lens element arranged on the most object side of the second lens unit, and

f_(G2) is a focal length of the second lens unit.

The condition (27) sets forth the positive lens element arranged on the most object side of the second lens unit. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (27), difficulty can arise in compensating distortion at a wide-angle limit. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (27), difficulty arises in compensating spherical aberration over the entire zoom range, and hence size reduction and optical performance cannot simultaneously be achieved. This causes a possibility of degradation in the basic imaging performance as an optical system.

When the following condition (27)′ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. f _(L3) /f _(G2)<0.92  (27)′

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7 in which the second lens unit moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, it is preferable that the following condition (29) is satisfied. 2.00<(1−m _(2T))×m _(3T)<5.00  (29)

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

where,

m_(2T) is a lateral magnification of the second lens unit at a telephoto limit in an infinity in-focus condition,

m_(3T) is a lateral magnification of the third lens unit at a telephoto limit in an infinity in-focus condition,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit, and

ω_(W) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (29) is a condition for obtaining satisfactory imaging characteristics in a case that image blur compensation is performed by moving the second lens unit in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (29), the amount of movement of the second lens unit required for decentering the image by a predetermined amount becomes excessively small. Thus, difficulty arises in causing the second lens unit to perform parallel movement with precision. Accordingly, pixel deviation during image taking cannot sufficiently be reduced. This can cause difficulty in achieving satisfactory imaging characteristics in an image blur compensation state. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (29), the amount of decentering of the second lens unit required for decentering the image by a predetermined amount becomes excessively large. Thus, a large aberration change is generated in association with the parallel movement of the second lens unit. This causes a possibility of degradation in the imaging characteristics in the image periphery part.

When the following condition (29)′ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. 2.50<(1−m _(2T))×m _(3T)  (29)′

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

Further, it is more preferable that the conditions (29) and (29)′ are satisfied with a condition ω_(W)>40.

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, it is preferable that the following condition (30) is satisfied. 3.50<m _(2T) /m _(2W)<5.50  (30)

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

where,

m_(2T) is a lateral magnification of the second lens unit at a telephoto limit in an infinity in-focus condition,

m_(2W) is a lateral magnification of the second lens unit at a wide-angle limit in an infinity in-focus condition,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit, and

ω_(W) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (30) sets forth magnification change in the second lens unit, and substantially optimizes a variable magnification load to the second lens unit during zooming. When the value falls outside the range of the condition (30), the variable magnification load to the second lens unit becomes inappropriate. This can cause difficulty in constructing a compact zoom lens system having satisfactory optical performance.

When the following condition (30)′ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. 4.00<m _(2T) /m _(2W)  (30)′

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

Further, it is more preferable that the conditions (30) and (30)′ are satisfied with a condition ω_(W)>40.

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7, it is preferable that the following condition (31) is satisfied. −6.00<(1−m _(2T) /m _(2W))×(m _(3T) /m _(3W))<−3.00  (31)

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

where,

m_(2T) is a lateral magnification of the second lens unit at a telephoto limit in an infinity in-focus condition,

m_(2W) is a lateral magnification of the second lens unit at a wide-angle limit in an infinity in-focus condition,

m_(3T) is a lateral magnification of the third lens unit at a telephoto limit in an infinity in-focus condition,

m_(3W) is a lateral magnification of the third lens unit at a wide-angle limit in an infinity in-focus condition,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit, and

ω_(W) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (31) sets forth magnification change in the second lens unit and the third lens unit, and substantially optimizes a variable magnification load to the second lens unit and the third lens unit during zooming. When the value falls outside the range of the condition (31), distribution of the variable magnification load between the second lens unit and the third lens unit becomes inappropriate. This can cause difficulty in constructing a compact zoom lens system having satisfactory optical performance.

When the following condition (31)′ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. −4.00<(1−m _(2T) /m _(2W))×(m _(3T) /m _(3W))  (31)′

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

Further, it is more preferable that the conditions (31) and (31)′ are satisfied with a condition ω_(W)>40.

For example, in a zoom lens system like the zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7 in which the second lens unit moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, it is preferable that the following condition (32) is satisfied. 1.00<(1−m _(2W))×m _(3W)<1.50  (32)

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

where,

m_(2W) is a lateral magnification of the second lens unit at a wide-angle limit in an infinity in-focus condition,

m_(3W) is a lateral magnification of the third lens unit at a wide-angle limit in an infinity in-focus condition,

f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit,

f_(W) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit, and

ω_(W) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit.

The condition (32) is a condition for obtaining satisfactory imaging characteristics in a case that image blur compensation is performed by moving the second lens unit in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. When the value exceeds the upper limit of the condition (32), the amount of movement of the second lens unit required for decentering the image by a predetermined amount becomes excessively small. Thus, difficulty can arise in causing the second lens unit to perform parallel movement with precision. Accordingly, pixel deviation during image taking cannot sufficiently be reduced. This can cause difficulty in achieving satisfactory imaging characteristics in an image blur compensation state. In contrast, when the value goes below the lower limit of the condition (32), the amount of decentering of the second lens unit required for decentering the image by a predetermined amount becomes excessively large. Thus, a large aberration change is generated in association with the parallel movement of the second lens unit. This causes a possibility of degradation in the imaging characteristics in the image periphery part.

When the following condition (32)′ is satisfied, the above-mentioned effect is achieved more successfully. 1.15<(1−m _(2T))×m _(3T)  (32)′

(here, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35)

Further, it is more preferable that the conditions (32) and (32)′ are satisfied with a condition ω_(W)>40.

The lens units constituting the zoom lens system of Embodiments 1 to 7 are composed exclusively of refractive type lens elements that deflect the incident light by refraction (that is, lens elements of a type in which deflection is achieved at the interface between media each having a distinct refractive index). However, the present invention is not limited to the zoom lens system of this construction. For example, the lens units may employ diffractive type lens elements that deflect the incident light by diffraction; refractive-diffractive hybrid type lens elements that deflect the incident light by a combination of diffraction and refraction; or gradient index type lens elements that deflect the incident light by distribution of refractive index in the medium.

Moreover, in each embodiment, a configuration has been described that on the object side relative to the image surface S (that is, between the image surface S and the most image side lens surface of the third lens unit G3), a plane parallel plate such as an optical low-pass filter and a face plate of an image sensor is provided. This low-pass filter may be: a birefringent type low-pass filter made of, for example, a crystal whose predetermined crystal orientation is adjusted; or a phase type low-pass filter that achieves required characteristics of optical cut-off frequency by diffraction.

(Embodiment 8)

FIG. 22 is a schematic construction diagram of a digital still camera according to Embodiment 8. In FIG. 22, the digital still camera comprises: an imaging device having a zoom lens system 1 and an image sensor 2 that is a CCD; a liquid crystal display monitor 3; and a body 4. The employed zoom lens system 1 is a zoom lens system according to Embodiment 1. In FIG. 22, the zoom lens system 1 comprises a first lens unit G1, a second lens unit G2, an aperture diaphragm A and a third lens unit G3. In the body 4, the zoom lens system 1 is arranged on the front side, while the image sensor 2 is arranged on the rear side of the zoom lens system 1. On the rear side of the body 4, the liquid crystal display monitor 3 is arranged, while an optical image of a photographic object generated by the zoom lens system 1 is formed on an image surface S.

The lens barrel comprises a main barrel 5, a moving barrel 6 and a cylindrical cam 7. When the cylindrical cam 7 is rotated, the first lens unit G1, the second lens unit G2, the aperture diaphragm A and the third lens unit G3 move to predetermined positions relative to the image sensor 2, so that magnification change can be achieved ranging from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit. The third lens unit G3 is movable in an optical axis direction by a motor for focus adjustment.

As such, when the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 1 is employed in a digital still camera, a small digital still camera is obtained that has a high resolution and high capability of compensating the curvature of field and that has a short overall optical length at the time of non-use. Here, in the digital still camera shown in FIG. 22, any one of the zoom lens systems according to Embodiments 2 to 7 may be employed in place of the zoom lens system according to Embodiment 1. Further, the optical system of the digital still camera shown in FIG. 22 is applicable also to a digital video camera for moving images. In this case, moving images with high resolution can be acquired in addition to still images.

Here, the digital still camera according to the present Embodiment 8 has been described for a case that the employed zoom lens system 1 is a zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7. However, in these zoom lens systems, the entire zooming range need not be used. That is, in accordance with a desired zooming range, a range where satisfactory optical performance is obtained may exclusively be used. Then, the zoom lens system may be used as one having a lower magnification than the zoom lens system described in Embodiments 1 to 7.

Further, Embodiment 8 has been described for a case that the zoom lens system is applied to a lens barrel of so-called retraction construction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, to a lens barrel of so-called bending configuration may be applied the zoom lens system where a prism having an internal reflective surface or a front surface reflective mirror is arranged at an arbitrary position within the first lens unit G1 or the like. Further, in Embodiment 8, the zoom lens system may be applied to a so-called sliding lens barrel where a part, such as the entire second lens unit G2, of the lens units that constitute the zoom lens system is retracted from the optical axis at the time of retraction.

Further, an imaging device comprising a zoom lens system according to Embodiments 1 to 7 described above and an image sensor such as a CCD or a CMOS may be applied to a mobile telephone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), a surveillance camera in a surveillance system, a Web camera, a vehicle-mounted camera or the like.

Numerical examples are described below in which the zoom lens systems according to Embodiments 1 to 7 are implemented. In the numerical examples, the units of the length in the tables are all “mm”, while the units of the view angle are all “°”. Moreover, in the numerical examples, r is the radius of curvature, d is the axial distance, nd is the refractive index to the d-line, and vd is the Abbe number to the d-line. In the numerical examples, the surfaces marked with * are aspheric surfaces, and the aspheric surface configuration is defined by the following expression.

$Z = {\frac{h^{2}/r}{1 + \sqrt{1 - {\left( {1 + \kappa} \right)\left( \frac{h}{r} \right)^{2}}}} + {A\; 4\; h^{4}} + {A\; 6\; h^{6}} + {A\; 8\; h^{8}} + {A\; 10\; h^{10}} + {A\; 12\; h^{12}} + {A\; 14\; h^{14}}}$ Here, κ is the conic constant, A4, A6, A8, A10, A12 and A14 are a fourth-order, sixth-order, eighth-order, tenth-order, twelfth-order and fourteenth-order aspherical coefficients, respectively.

FIGS. 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17 and 20 are longitudinal aberration diagrams of the zoom lens systems according to Embodiments 1 to 7, respectively.

In each longitudinal aberration diagram, part (a) shows the aberration at a wide-angle limit, part (b) shows the aberration at a middle position, and part (c) shows the aberration at a telephoto limit. Each longitudinal aberration diagram, in order from the left-hand side, shows the spherical aberration (SA (mm)), the astigmatism (AST (mm)) and the distortion (DIS (%)). In each spherical aberration diagram, the vertical axis indicates the F-number (in each FIG., indicated as “F”), and the solid line, the short dash line and the long dash line indicate the characteristics to the d-line, the F-line and the C-line, respectively. In each astigmatism diagram, the vertical axis indicates the image height (in each FIG., indicated as “H”), and the solid line and the dash line indicate the characteristics to the sagittal plane (in each FIG., indicated as “s”) and the meridional plane (in each FIG., indicated as “m”), respectively. In each distortion diagram, the vertical axis indicates the image height (in each FIG., indicated as “H”).

FIGS. 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21 are lateral aberration diagrams of the zoom lens systems at a telephoto limit according to Embodiments 1 to 7, respectively.

In each lateral aberration diagram, the aberration diagrams in the upper three parts correspond to a basic state where image blur compensation is not performed at a telephoto limit, while the aberration diagrams in the lower three parts correspond to an image blur compensation state where the entire second lens unit G2 is moved by a predetermined amount in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis at a telephoto limit. Among the lateral aberration diagrams of a basic state, the upper part shows the lateral aberration at an image point of 75% of the maximum image height, the middle part shows the lateral aberration at the axial image point, and the lower part shows the lateral aberration at an image point of −75% of the maximum image height. Among the lateral aberration diagrams of an image blur compensation state, the upper part shows the lateral aberration at an image point of 75% of the maximum image height, the middle part shows the lateral aberration at the axial image point, and the lower part shows the lateral aberration at an image point of −75% of the maximum image height. In each lateral aberration diagram, the horizontal axis indicates the distance from the principal ray on the pupil surface, and the solid line, the short dash line and the long dash line indicate the characteristics to the d-line, the F-line and the C-line, respectively. In each lateral aberration diagram, the meridional plane is adopted as the plane containing the optical axis of the first lens unit G1 and the optical axis of the second lens unit G2.

In the zoom lens system according to each example, the amount (Y_(T)) of movement of the second lens unit G2 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis in an image blur compensation state at a telephoto limit is as follows.

Example Amount of movement Y_(T) (mm) 1 0.0650 2 0.0707 3 0.0699 4 0.0762 5 0.0678 6 0.0771 7 0.0775

Here, when the shooting distance is infinity, at a telephoto limit, the amount of image decentering in a case that the zoom lens system inclines by 0.6° is equal to the amount of image decentering in a case that the entire second lens unit G2 moves in parallel by each of the above-mentioned values in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

As seen from the lateral aberration diagrams, satisfactory symmetry is obtained in the lateral aberration at the axial image point. Further, when the lateral aberration at the +75% image point and the lateral aberration at the −75% image point are compared with each other in a basic state, all have a small degree of curvature and almost the same inclination in the aberration curve. Thus, decentering coma aberration and decentering astigmatism are small. This indicates that sufficient imaging performance is obtained even in an image blur compensation state. Further, when the image blur compensation angle of a zoom lens system is the same, the amount of parallel movement required for image blur compensation decreases with decreasing focal length of the entire zoom lens system. Thus, at arbitrary zoom positions, sufficient image blur compensation can be performed for image blur compensation angles up to 0.6° without degrading the imaging characteristics.

Numerical Example 1

The zoom lens system of Numerical Example 1 corresponds to Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1. Table 1 shows the surface data of the zoom lens system of Numerical Example 1. Table 2 shows the aspherical data. Table 3 shows various data.

TABLE 1 (Surface data) Surface number r d nd vd Object surface ∞  1* 121.77400 1.35000 1.88300 40.8  2* 4.59300 1.66900 3 7.05800 1.60000 1.92287 18.9 4 11.92800 Variable  5* 4.18500 2.00000 1.77250 49.6 6 10.87900 0.50000 1.64769 33.8 7 3.66100 0.48000 8 8.24900 0.50000 1.76183 26.5 9 3.97900 2.00000 1.60311 60.6 10  −10.51800 0.30000 11(Diaphragm) ∞ Variable 12  45.65100 1.60000 1.60311 60.6 13  −23.91400 Variable 14  ∞ 1.40000 1.51633 64.1 15  ∞ (BF) Image surface ∞

TABLE 2 (Aspherical data) Surface No. 1 K = 0.00000E+00, A4 = 3.18638E−04, A6 = −4.73036E−06, A8 = 3.76995E−08, A10 = 0.00000E+00 Surface No. 2 K = −1.47866E+00, A4 = 1.64875E−03, A6 = 1.02150E−05, A8 = −4.99629E−07, A10 = 2.42134E−08 Surface No. 5 K = −4.49065E−01, A4 = −9.97316E−05, A6 = 1.40893E−06, A8 = 0.00000E+00, A10 = 0.00000E+00

TABLE 3 (Various data) Zooming ratio 4.80185 Wide-angle Middle Telephoto limit position limit Focal length 3.8997 10.4303 18.7259 F-number 2.80200 5.33669 6.11778 View angle 46.5205 19.4974 10.9872 Image height 3.6000 3.6000 3.6000 Overall length 30.7959 30.3826 37.2037 of lens system BF 1.02501 1.00139 1.01023 d4 11.4400 2.9456 0.1500 d11 1.2672 11.9186 21.1596 d13 3.6647 1.1180 1.4849 Zoom lens unit data Lens unit Initial surface Focal length 1 1 −8.66678 2 5 8.54395 3 12 26.24759

Numerical Example 2

The zoom lens system of Numerical Example 2 corresponds to Embodiment 2 shown in FIG. 4. Table 4 shows the surface data of the zoom lens system of Numerical Example 2. Table 5 shows the aspherical data. Table 6 shows various data.

TABLE 4 (Surface data) Surface number r d nd vd Object surface ∞  1* 54.56700 1.35000 1.88300 40.8  2* 4.76000 1.94200 3 7.01500 1.60000 1.92287 18.9 4 10.72700 Variable  5* 4.23600 2.00000 1.77250 49.6 6 9.39300 0.50000 1.64769 33.8 7 3.64800 0.48000 8 8.26300 0.50000 1.76183 26.5 9 4.00600 2.00000 1.60311 60.6 10  −11.64200 0.30000 11(Diaphragm) ∞ Variable 12  34.68300 1.60000 1.60311 60.6 13  −27.64900 Variable 14  ∞ 1.40000 1.51633 64.1 15  ∞ (BF) Image surface ∞

TABLE 5 (Aspherical data) Surface No. 1 K = 0.00000E+00, A4 = 3.61641E−04, A6 = −5.02438E−06, A8 = 2.59231E−08, A10 = 0.00000E+00 Surface No. 2 K = −1.53173E+00, A4 = 1.65738E−03, A6 = 2.09911E−05, A8 = −1.66275E−07, A10 = −3.69650E−09 Surface No. 5 K = −4.39707E−01, A4 = −2.39404E−05, A6 = 2.26135E−06, A8 = 0.00000E+00, A10 = 0.00000E+00

TABLE 6 (Various data) Zooming ratio 4.78672 Wide-angle Middle Telephoto limit position limit Focal length 4.2681 10.4357 20.4301 F-number 2.86927 5.02409 6.20159 View angle 43.4719 19.4769 10.0548 Image height 3.6000 3.6000 3.6000 Overall length 31.5753 31.0990 39.8252 of lens system BF 1.02817 1.00170 1.03473 d4 11.4400 2.8570 0.1500 d11 1.2161 9.8230 23.2974 d13 4.2190 3.7453 1.6711 Zoom lens unit data Lens unit Initial surface Focal length 1 1 −9.34613 2 5 9.08938 3 12 25.75745

Numerical Example 3

The zoom lens system of Numerical Example 3 corresponds to Embodiment 3 shown in FIG. 7. Table 7 shows the surface data of the zoom lens system of Numerical Example 3. Table 8 shows the aspherical data. Table 9 shows various data.

TABLE 7 (Surface data) Surface number r d nd vd Object surface ∞  1* 48.47300 1.35000 1.88300 40.8  2* 4.63300 1.85200 3 6.92300 1.60000 1.92287 18.9 4 10.69800 Variable  5* 4.22900 2.00000 1.77250 49.6 6 9.57900 0.50000 1.64769 33.8 7 3.67100 0.48000 8 8.29500 0.50000 1.76183 26.5 9 4.00400 2.00000 1.60311 60.6 10  −11.40200 0.30000 11(Diaphragm) ∞ Variable 12  37.29000 1.60000 1.60311 60.6 13  −27.36500 Variable 14  ∞ 1.40000 1.51633 64.1 15  ∞ (BF) Image surface ∞

TABLE 8 (Aspherical data) Surface No. 1 K = 0.00000E+00, A4 = 3.31285E−04, A6 = −5.35621E−06, A8 = 3.55229E−08, A10 = 0.00000E+00 Surface No. 2 K = −1.43656E+00, A4 = 1.64031E−03, A6 = 1.16442E−05, A8 = 3.54201E−08, A10 = −9.67420E−10 Surface No. 5 K = −4.28742E−01, A4 = −6.17926E−05, A6 = 4.71413E−07, A8 = 0.00000E+00, A10 = 0.00000E+00

TABLE 9 (Various data) Zooming ratio 4.80032 Wide-angle Middle Telephoto limit position limit Focal length 4.2673 10.4197 20.4845 F-number 2.91435 4.96430 6.19959 View angle 43.2524 19.5496 10.0291 Image height 3.6000 3.6000 3.6000 Overall length 31.5321 30.1266 39.5238 of lens system BF 1.02447 1.01735 1.00496 d4 11.4400 2.3581 0.1500 d11 1.5124 7.8769 23.1427 d13 3.9732 5.2922 1.6441 Zoom lens unit data Lens unit Initial surface Focal length 1 1 −9.22516 2 5 8.95909 3 12 26.41505

Numerical Example 4

The zoom lens system of Numerical Example 4 corresponds to Embodiment 4 shown in FIG. 10. Table 10 shows the surface data of the zoom lens system of Numerical Example 4. Table 11 shows the aspherical data. Table 12 shows various data.

TABLE 10 (Surface data) Surface number r d nd vd Object surface ∞  1* 34.18200 1.35000 1.88300 40.8  2* 4.69900 1.88700 3 7.07000 1.60000 1.92287 18.9 4 10.87800 Variable  5* 4.25100 2.00000 1.77250 49.6 6 8.92800 0.50000 1.64769 33.8 7 3.69800 0.48000 8 8.66500 0.50000 1.76183 26.5 9 4.04000 2.00000 1.60311 60.6 10  −12.32600 0.30000 11(Diaphragm) ∞ Variable 12  26.45400 1.60000 1.60311 60.6 13  −48.99600 Variable 14  ∞ 1.40000 1.51633 64.1 15  ∞ (BF) Image surface ∞

TABLE 11 (Aspherical data) Surface No. 1 K = 0.00000E+00, A4 = 3.62205E−04, A6 = −5.63958E−06, A8 = 3.53569E−08, A10 = 0.00000E+00 Surface No. 2 K = −1.52605E+00, A4 = 1.70369E−03, A6 = 2.17529E−05, A8 = −5.40577E−07, A10 = 8.14121E−09 Surface No. 5 K = −4.35512E−01, A4 = −8.44450E−07, A6 = 3.99899E−06, A8 = 0.00000E+00, A10 = 0.00000E+00

TABLE 12 (Various data) Zooming ratio 4.76804 Wide-angle Middle Telephoto limit position limit Focal length 4.7145 10.4216 22.4791 F-number 2.82795 4.62162 6.42143 View angle 39.1095 19.4169 9.1025 Image height 3.6000 3.6000 3.6000 Overall length 31.8271 31.1332 41.1670 of lens system BF 1.03932 1.00578 0.97275 d4 11.4400 3.4367 0.1500 d11 0.8955 8.6718 24.7468 d13 4.8353 4.4019 1.6804 Zoom lens unit data Lens unit Initial surface Focal length 1 1 −10.05331 2 5 9.42654 3 12 28.71276

Numerical Example 5

The zoom lens system of Numerical Example 5 corresponds to Embodiment 5 shown in FIG. 13. Table 13 shows the surface data of the zoom lens system of Numerical Example 5. Table 14 shows the aspherical data. Table 15 shows various data.

TABLE 13 (Surface data) Surface number r d nd vd Object surface ∞  1* 132.95400 1.35000 1.88300 40.8  2* 4.68700 1.46800 3 6.81900 1.60000 1.92287 18.9 4 11.04200 Variable  5* 4.17000 2.00000 1.77632 52.6 6 10.88700 0.50000 1.64619 31.8 7 3.66300 0.48000 8 8.27600 0.50000 1.76287 27.7 9 4.01800 2.00000 1.60281 56.0 10  −11.07600 0.30000 11(Diaphragm) ∞ Variable 12  −90.89600 1.60000 1.60311 60.6 13  −17.48600 Variable 14  ∞ 1.40000 1.51633 64.1 15  ∞ (BF) Image surface ∞

TABLE 14 (Aspherical data) Surface No. 1 K = 0.00000E+00, A4 = 2.44936E−04, A6 = −4.54400E−06, A8 = 5.72566E−08, A10 = 0.00000E+00 Surface No. 2 K = −1.48880E+00, A4 = 1.58237E−03, A6 = 2.31084E−06, A8 = −5.39884E−07, A10 = 4.21354E−08 Surface No. 5 K = −4.35869E−01, A4 = −7.86886E−05, A6 = −3.25838E−06, A8 = 0.00000E+00, A10 = 0.00000E+00

TABLE 15 (Various data) Zooming ratio 5.57548 Wide-angle Middle Telephoto limit position limit Focal length 4.3036 10.4658 23.9944 F-number 2.92255 5.16214 7.21745 View angle 43.8656 19.5147 8.6343 Image height 3.6000 3.6000 3.6000 Overall length 31.2161 30.7032 41.9501 of lens system BF 1.05074 1.06124 1.01753 d4 11.4400 3.5088 0.1500 d11 0.9832 10.2556 26.1962 d13 4.5442 2.6796 1.3884 Zoom lens unit data Lens unit Initial surface Focal length 1 1 −8.59764 2 5 8.56522 3 12 35.60713

Numerical Example 6

The zoom lens system of Numerical Example 6 corresponds to Embodiment 6 shown in FIG. 16. Table 16 shows the surface data of the zoom lens system of Numerical Example 6. Table 17 shows the aspherical data. Table 18 shows various data.

TABLE 16 (Surface data) Surface number r d nd vd Object surface ∞  1* 38.98800 1.35000 1.88300 40.8  2* 4.84400 1.42500 3 6.47600 1.60000 1.92287 18.9 4 9.52600 Variable  5* 4.20800 2.00000 1.78129 58.0 6 9.08000 0.50000 1.64147 23.9 7 3.67300 0.48000 8 8.42900 0.50000 1.75881 27.4 9 4.04600 2.00000 1.60469 40.7 10  −12.41000 0.30000 11(Diaphragm) ∞ Variable 12  110.98100 1.60000 1.60311 60.6 13  −22.55600 Variable 14  ∞ 1.40000 1.51633 64.1 15  ∞ (BF) Image surface ∞

TABLE 17 (Aspherical data) Surface No. 1 K = 0.00000E+00, A4 = 3.22213E−04, A6 = −5.80780E−06, A8 = 5.15896E−08, A10 = 0.00000E+00 Surface No. 2 K = −1.51520E+00, A4 = 1.64681E−03, A6 = 1.57014E−05, A8 = −4.00394E−07, A10 = 1.75249E−08 Surface No. 5 K = −4.40198E−01, A4 = 1.03406E−06, A6 = −1.84751E−06, A8 = 0.00000E+00, A10 = 0.00000E+00

TABLE 18 (Various data) Zooming ratio 5.10625 Wide-angle Middle Telephoto limit position limit Focal length 4.8387 10.4090 24.7076 F-number 2.88073 4.54052 6.64735 View angle 38.8209 19.4873 8.3429 Image height 3.6000 3.6000 3.6000 Overall length 31.2899 29.5852 41.1813 of lens system BF 1.06325 1.06953 0.97479 d4 11.4400 3.4674 0.1500 d11 0.9838 6.4142 25.1290 d13 4.6478 5.4791 1.7725 Zoom lens unit data Lens unit Initial surface Focal length 1 1 −9.96310 2 5 8.98371 3 12 31.22300

Numerical Example 7

The zoom lens system of Numerical Example 7 corresponds to Embodiment 7 shown in FIG. 19. Table 19 shows the surface data of the zoom lens system of Numerical Example 7. Table 20 shows the aspherical data. Table 21 shows various data.

TABLE 19 (Surface data) Surface number r d nd vd Object surface ∞  1* 54.53300 1.35000 1.88300 40.8  2* 4.96100 1.47200 3 6.67300 1.60000 1.92287 18.9 4 10.19200 Variable  5* 4.20800 2.00000 1.78129 58.0 6 9.60800 0.50000 1.64147 23.9 7 3.58500 0.48000 8 7.93100 0.50000 1.75881 27.4 9 4.13600 2.00000 1.60469 40.7 10  −14.12900 0.30000 11(Diaphragm) ∞ Variable 12  −154.55700 1.60000 1.60311 60.6 13  −16.64500 Variable 14  ∞ 1.40000 1.51633 64.1 15  ∞ (BF) Image surface ∞

TABLE 20 (Aspherical data) Surface No. 1 K = 0.00000E+00, A4 = 2.53590E−04, A6 = −5.06029E−06, A8 = 7.20897E−08, A10 = 0.00000E+00 Surface No. 2 K = −1.59957E+00, A4 = 1.57219E−03, A6 = 1.11451E−05, A8 = −8.91772E−07, A10 = 5.36076E−08 Surface No. 5 K = −4.33780E−01, A4 = 2.73110E−06, A6 = 5.63913E−07, A8 = 0.00000E+00, A10 = 0.00000E+00

TABLE 21 (Various data) Zooming ratio 5.56401 Wide-angle Middle Telephoto limit position limit Focal length 4.8460 10.4141 26.9631 F-number 2.90201 4.44683 7.33626 View angle 39.6112 19.5730 7.6976 Image height 3.6000 3.6000 3.6000 Overall length 31.3839 28.2301 42.7099 of lens system BF 1.04922 1.08220 0.98344 d4 11.4400 2.8111 0.1500 d11 0.5529 2.7579 28.0785 d13 5.1398 8.3769 0.2960 Zoom lens unit data Lens unit Initial surface Focal length 1 1 −9.94113 2 5 9.09119 3 12 30.79516

The following Table 22 shows the corresponding values to the individual conditions in the zoom lens systems of Numerical Examples. Here, in Table 22, Y_(w) is defined as

an amount of movement in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis at the time of maximum blur compensation in the second lens unit with a focal length f_(w) of the entire system at a wide-angle limit, and

indicates a value obtained in a state that the zoom lens system is at a wide-angle limit. That is, a corresponding value (Y_(w)/Y_(T)) / (f_(T)/f_(w)) at the time of Y=Y_(w) (f=f_(w)) in the condition formula (3) was obtained.

TABLE 22 (Values corresponding to conditions) Example Condition 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 (28) f_(G2a)/f_(G2b) 2.35 2.51 2.44 2.33 2.20 2.19 2.33  (1) D₂/(I_(r) × Z²) 0.21 0.24 0.23 0.25 0.20 0.23 0.20  (2) Y_(W) 0.0334 0.0373 0.0366 0.0408 0.0341 0.0400 0.0403 Y_(T) 0.0650 0.0707 0.0699 0.0762 0.0678 0.0771 0.0775  (3) (Y_(W)/Y_(T))/(f_(T)/f_(W)) 0.107 0.110 0.109 0.112 0.090 0.102 0.093  (4) (D_(2T) − D_(2W))/(I_(r) × Z²) 0.24 0.27 0.26 0.29 0.23 0.26 0.25  (5) f_(G1)/f_(G2) −1.01 −1.03 −1.03 −1.07 −1.00 −1.11 −1.09  (6) f_(G1)/f_(G3) −0.33 −0.36 −0.35 −0.35 −0.24 −0.32 −0.32  (7) f_(G2)/f_(G3) 0.33 0.35 0.34 0.33 0.24 0.29 0.30  (8) f_(G1)/f_(T) −0.46 −0.46 −0.45 −0.45 −0.36 −0.40 −0.37  (9) f_(G2)/f_(T) 0.46 0.44 0.44 0.42 0.36 0.36 0.34 (10) f_(G3)/f_(T) 1.40 1.26 1.29 1.28 1.48 1.26 1.14 (11) (D_(1W) + D_(2W))/(D_(1T) + D_(2T)) 0.60 0.54 0.56 0.50 0.47 0.49 0.42 (12) (D_(2T) − D_(2W))/f_(W) 5.10 5.17 5.07 5.06 5.86 4.99 5.68 (13) (D_(2T) − D_(2W))/f_(T) 1.06 1.08 1.06 1.06 1.05 0.98 1.02 (14) D_(1T)/I_(r) 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 (15) (f_(W)/I_(r)) × (f_(W)/f_(T)) 0.23 0.25 0.25 0.27 0.21 0.26 0.24 (16) tan(ω_(W)) × Z 5.06 4.54 4.52 3.88 5.36 4.11 4.60 (17) |f_(W) × f_(G1)|/I_(r) ² 2.61 3.08 3.04 3.66 2.86 3.72 3.72 (18) (f_(W) · f_(G2))/I_(r) ² 2.57 2.99 2.95 3.43 2.84 3.35 3.40 (19) (D_(G1) + D_(G2) + D_(G3))/f_(T) 0.62 0.59 0.58 0.53 0.48 0.46 0.43 (20) (F_(W) × F_(T))/Z 3.57 3.72 3.76 3.81 3.78 3.75 3.83 (21) L_(T)/(I_(r) × Z) 2.15 2.31 2.29 2.40 2.09 2.24 2.13 (22) (D_(G2) + (D_(G2A)))/(D_(G2A)) 19.27 19.27 19.27 19.27 19.27 19.27 19.27 (23) f_(L2)/f_(G1) −1.87 −1.95 −1.92 −1.81 −1.90 −1.76 −1.73 (24) R_(2F)/f_(T) 0.38 0.34 0.34 0.31 0.28 0.26 0.25 (25) R_(2R)/f_(T) 0.64 0.53 0.52 0.48 0.46 0.39 0.38 (26) f_(L2)/f_(T) 0.86 0.89 0.86 0.81 0.68 0.71 0.64 (27) f_(L3)/f_(G2) 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.90 0.95 0.91 (29) (1 − m_(2T)) × m_(3T) 3.02 3.03 3.07 3.09 3.70 3.36 3.64 (30) m_(2T)/m_(2W) 4.33 4.23 4.30 4.14 5.03 4.55 4.61 (31) (1 − m_(2T)/m_(2W)) × (m_(3T)/m_(3W)) −3.69 −3.65 −3.68 −3.62 −4.47 −3.98 −4.36 (32) (1 − m_(2W)) × m_(3W) 1.22 1.20 1.22 1.21 1.32 1.27 1.26 f_(T)/f_(W) 4.80 4.79 4.80 4.77 5.58 5.11 5.56 ω_(W) 46.521 43.472 43.252 39.109 43.866 38.821 39.611

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The zoom lens system according to the present invention is applicable to a digital input device such as a digital camera, a mobile telephone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), a surveillance camera in a surveillance system, a Web camera or a vehicle-mounted camera. In particular, the zoom lens system according to the present invention is suitable for a photographing optical system where high image quality is required like in a digital camera. 

1. A zoom lens system having a plurality of lens units each composed of at least one lens element and, in order from an object side to an image side, comprising: a first lens unit having negative optical power and consisting of two lens elements; a second lens unit having positive optical power; and a third lens unit having positive optical power, wherein in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, at least the first lens unit and the second lens unit move along an optical axis, wherein on the image side relative to the second lens unit, an aperture diaphragm is arranged that moves along the optical axis integrally with the second lens unit during zooming, wherein the second lens unit, in order from the object side to the image side, consists of a first cemented lens element constructed by cementing two lens elements with each other and a second cemented lens element constructed by cementing two lens elements with each other, and wherein the following condition (28) is satisfied: 2.00<f _(G2a) /f _(G2b)<3.00  (28) where, f_(G2a) is a focal length of the first cemented lens element, and f_(G2b) is a focal length of the second cemented lens element.
 2. The zoom lens system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first lens unit, in order from the object side to the image side, consists of: a lens element having negative optical power; and a meniscus lens element having positive optical power with the convex surface facing the object side.
 3. The zoom lens system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first lens unit includes at least one lens element having an aspheric surface.
 4. The zoom lens system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first lens unit includes at least two aspheric surfaces.
 5. The zoom lens system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third lens unit consists of one lens element.
 6. The zoom lens system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the one lens element of the third lens unit includes an aspheric surface.
 7. The zoom lens system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second lens unit moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.
 8. The zoom lens system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the entire system satisfies the following conditions (2) and (3): Y_(T)>Y  (2) 0.05<(Y/Y _(T))/(f _(T) /f)<0.60  (3) (where, Z=f_(T)/f_(W)>4.0 and ω_(W)>35) where, Z=f_(T)/f_(w) >4.0 and ω_(w)>35, f is a focal length of the entire system, f_(T) is a focal length of the entire system at a telephoto limit, Y is an amount of movement in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis at the time of maximum blur compensation in the second lens unit with a focal length f of the entire system, Y_(T) is an amount of movement in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis at the time of maximum blur compensation in the second lens unit with a focal length f_(T) of the entire system at a telephoto limit, f_(w) is a focal length of the entire system at a wide-angle limit, and ω_(w) is a half value (°) of the maximum view angle at a wide-angle limit.
 9. An imaging device capable of outputting an optical image of an object as an electric image signal, comprising: a zoom lens system that forms the optical image of the object; and an image sensor that converts the optical image formed by the zoom lens system into the electric image signal, wherein the zoom lens system has a plurality of lens units each composed of at least one lens element and, in order from an object side to an image side, comprising: a first lens unit having negative optical power and consisting of two lens elements; a second lens unit having positive optical power; and a third lens unit having positive optical power, wherein in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, at least the first lens unit and the second lens unit move along an optical axis, wherein on the image side relative to the second lens unit, an aperture diaphragm is arranged that moves along the optical axis integrally with the second lens unit during zooming, wherein the second lens unit, in order from the object side to the image side, consists of a first cemented lens element constructed by cementing two lens elements with each other and a second cemented lens element constructed by cementing two lens elements with each other, and wherein the following condition (28) is satisfied: 2.00<f _(G2a) /f _(G2b)<3.00  (28) where, f_(G2a) is a focal length of the first cemented lens element, and f_(G2b) is a focal length of the second cemented lens element.
 10. A camera for converting an optical image of an object into an electric image signal and then performing at least one of displaying and storing of the converted image signal, comprising an imaging device including a zoom lens system that forms the optical image of the object and an image sensor that converts the optical image formed by the zoom lens system into the electric image signal, wherein the zoom lens system has a plurality of lens units each composed of at least one lens element and, in order from an object side to an image side, comprising: a first lens unit having negative optical power and consisting of two lens elements; a second lens unit having positive optical power; and a third lens unit having positive optical power, wherein in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, at least the first lens unit and the second lens unit move along an optical axis, wherein on the image side relative to the second lens unit, an aperture diaphragm is arranged that moves along the optical axis integrally with the second lens unit during zooming, wherein the second lens unit, in order from the object side to the image side, consists of a first cemented lens element constructed by cementing two lens elements with each other and a second cemented lens element constructed by cementing two lens elements with each other, and wherein the following condition (28) is satisfied: 2.00<f _(G2a) /f _(G2b)<3.00  (28) where, f_(G2a) is a focal length of the first cemented lens element, and f_(G2b) is a focal length of the second cemented lens element. 